Three candidates of the candidates on the Republican and Democratic tickets, as well as Rep. Bill Owens, who is stepping down at the end of his term dropped by the event.

“We wanted to wish everyone a happy Saint Patrick's Day and set politics aside and meet with everyone from civic leaders to business leaders. It's just a great event,” said Republican endorsed candidate Elise Stefanik.

“The jokes are funny. It's wonderful to have the Irish celebration,” said Republican candidate Matt Doheny.

While Stefanik of Willsboro and Doheny of Watertown made their rounds at the annual celebration, Democratic candidate Aaron Woolf made his first public appearance in Plattsburgh.

“I've never run for office before. I've never been a political operative or anything like that,” said Woolf.

Although it's his first run for office, Woolf said he is not a political newcomer. He studied political science at Middlebury College and has worked in the political documentary industry for about 20 years.

“This has been a passion of mine my whole life. I feel like all of the work I did in documentary was about how people are affected by policy,” said Woolf.

Taking advantage of the chance to chat with local business leaders, Woolf and his conservative opponents focused on economics.

“It’s important for our next member of Congress to be an advocate on behalf of small business and to help grow small businesses,” said Stefanik.

“I have the business background to help lead the revival all over the North Country and certainly here in Plattsburgh as well,” said Doheny.